i am currently sitting in the dublin airport.
after going to bed at 2am, waking up at 430am,navigating the mean streets of paris at 5am, watching the sunrise over the french countryside at 7am, boarding an airplane at 9am, snoring on an airplane, flying over the sea, losing my favorite scarf, telling the man who looked at my passport that i was meeting my fiance's parents in ireland (?)..i have arrived in ireland.
i am currently sitting in the dublin airport, drinking a pint (when i arrived at 10am people were drinking pints of guiness..when in rome..) and waiting for my bus to take me to kilkenny where i will be working in a hostel a few hours a week in exchange for room/board. i hope to find a job in a pub to make up for all the money i spent in paris!
i hope to post my paris pictures this evening!
have a glorious day!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
mermaid or whale?
i stole this from my favorite blog galadarling.com,
who stole it from someone else. Regardless, it is too wonderful not to share!
Recently, in a large city in Australia, a poster featuring a young, thin and tan woman appeared in the window of a gym. It said, “This summer, do you want to be a mermaid or a whale?”
A middle-aged woman, whose physical characteristics did not match those of the woman on the poster, responded publicly to the question posed by the gym.
To Whom It May Concern,
Whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, sea lions, curious humans.) They have an active sex life, get pregnant and have adorable baby whales. They have a wonderful time with dolphins stuffing themselves with shrimp. They play and swim in the seas, seeing wonderful places like Patagonia, the Bering Sea and the coral reefs of Polynesia.
Whales are wonderful singers and have even recorded CDs. They are incredible creatures and virtually have no predators other than humans.
They are loved, protected and admired by almost everyone in the world.
Mermaids don’t exist.
If they did exist, they would be lining up outside the offices of Argentinean psychoanalysts due to identity crisis. Fish or human? They don’t have a sex life because they kill men who get close to them, not to mention how could they have sex? Just look at them… where is IT?
Therefore, they don’t have kids either.
Not to mention, who wants to get close to a girl who smells like a fish store?
The choice is perfectly clear to me: I want to be a whale.
P.S. We are in an age when media puts into our heads the idea that only skinny people are beautiful, but I prefer to enjoy an ice cream with my kids, a good dinner with a man who makes me shiver, and a piece of chocolate with my friends.
With time, we gain weight because we accumulate so much information and wisdom in our heads that when there is no more room, it distributes out to the rest of our bodies. So we aren’t heavy, we are enormously cultured, educated and happy.
Beginning today, when I look at my butt in the mirror I will think, “Good grief, look how smart I am!”
who stole it from someone else. Regardless, it is too wonderful not to share!
Recently, in a large city in Australia, a poster featuring a young, thin and tan woman appeared in the window of a gym. It said, “This summer, do you want to be a mermaid or a whale?”
A middle-aged woman, whose physical characteristics did not match those of the woman on the poster, responded publicly to the question posed by the gym.
To Whom It May Concern,
Whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, sea lions, curious humans.) They have an active sex life, get pregnant and have adorable baby whales. They have a wonderful time with dolphins stuffing themselves with shrimp. They play and swim in the seas, seeing wonderful places like Patagonia, the Bering Sea and the coral reefs of Polynesia.
Whales are wonderful singers and have even recorded CDs. They are incredible creatures and virtually have no predators other than humans.
They are loved, protected and admired by almost everyone in the world.
Mermaids don’t exist.
If they did exist, they would be lining up outside the offices of Argentinean psychoanalysts due to identity crisis. Fish or human? They don’t have a sex life because they kill men who get close to them, not to mention how could they have sex? Just look at them… where is IT?
Therefore, they don’t have kids either.
Not to mention, who wants to get close to a girl who smells like a fish store?
The choice is perfectly clear to me: I want to be a whale.
P.S. We are in an age when media puts into our heads the idea that only skinny people are beautiful, but I prefer to enjoy an ice cream with my kids, a good dinner with a man who makes me shiver, and a piece of chocolate with my friends.
With time, we gain weight because we accumulate so much information and wisdom in our heads that when there is no more room, it distributes out to the rest of our bodies. So we aren’t heavy, we are enormously cultured, educated and happy.
Beginning today, when I look at my butt in the mirror I will think, “Good grief, look how smart I am!”
Rock en Seine 2010
I wanted to go to the Rock en Seine festival yesterday, but the tickets were all sold out. So I decided to take my chances and just got to the festival in an attempt to buy one from a scalper. They were selling them for 100 Euro. I said "no way" to that and was heading back to the train. Then i decided i would make a sign, which stated, "1 ticked wanted. merci! :)" immedietly after holding up the sign a nice couple and a scalper came up to me asking how much i would pay. i said 50. they said no, the scalper said 90. i said no. then i said 60 was my best offer. the scalper walked away wanting nothing to do with my meager euros. the couple sold me their ticket for 60 but only because i was a foreigner. hah!
so i head into the festival. oh there were so many people there. i am not a fan of large festivals i have decided. waiting in line forever to use a bathroom that was literally a hole in a floor above the bank of the siene. no personal space at all while watching bands. so much to dislike! But when the bands play, it is so magical. So many people singing and dancing. it makes up for all the other crap that comes with a festival.
Yesterday I saw The Eels, who played a pretty unique set.
Beirut, who were absolutely amazing!
The Ting Tings, who were surprisingly really good.
Arcade Fire. oh arcade fire. incredible! despite the crowds and waiting forever to pee on the banks of the seine and having a terrible sinus headache. arcade fire made up for it!
it started to rain so they played "wake up" without their electric instruments. everyone was singing and dancing in the rain. what a moment! instruments
then i tried to take the metro back home with all 80,000 people who were at the festival. i ended up meeting a girl from romania, who was impressed with my calm and optimistic attitude about finding the train. riding the train was a hellish experience though. way way way too many people. i have never been so cramped in my life.
all in all a once in a life time experience. hooray! but i guess all experiences are once in a lifetime..
so i head into the festival. oh there were so many people there. i am not a fan of large festivals i have decided. waiting in line forever to use a bathroom that was literally a hole in a floor above the bank of the siene. no personal space at all while watching bands. so much to dislike! But when the bands play, it is so magical. So many people singing and dancing. it makes up for all the other crap that comes with a festival.
Yesterday I saw The Eels, who played a pretty unique set.
Beirut, who were absolutely amazing!
The Ting Tings, who were surprisingly really good.
Arcade Fire. oh arcade fire. incredible! despite the crowds and waiting forever to pee on the banks of the seine and having a terrible sinus headache. arcade fire made up for it!
it started to rain so they played "wake up" without their electric instruments. everyone was singing and dancing in the rain. what a moment! instruments
then i tried to take the metro back home with all 80,000 people who were at the festival. i ended up meeting a girl from romania, who was impressed with my calm and optimistic attitude about finding the train. riding the train was a hellish experience though. way way way too many people. i have never been so cramped in my life.
all in all a once in a life time experience. hooray! but i guess all experiences are once in a lifetime..
Friday, August 27, 2010
spider
Of all the pictures I have taken, I think this one might be my favorite.
It was taken at the Palais de Tokyo, a modern art museum here in Paris.
The little boy is looking at a sculpture by Louise Bourgeois, one of my favorite artists.
Her spider sculptures are an ode to her mother, which I think adds an interesting layer to the photograph.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
my parisian neighbors
(these are not my neighbors)
The other night i went to bed around 230am. For most people that would be considered late, right? Well apparently not for my neighbors because as i was laying there in bed, I hear neighbors on one side of my room playing ping pong and my African neighbors on the other side making love. It was really odd. I hear the African neighbors quite often. I think they lead a good life, they are always either making fried chicken (like now), laughing or having sex. Good for them!
(ping pong tables are everywhere in europe!)
The other night I was walking home from the little shop down the street where I get snacks from and this Parisian man sitting outside a cafe stopped me in the street and started talking to me, in French, of course.
"J'nai parle francais!" I say to him.
He starts talking to me in English & wants me to have a drink with him.
"No, it is late and i need to go home" I say to him.
He is quite persistent, but i stuck to my guns. "I walk pass this cafe everyday, i will have a drink with you another day!" I say to him.
He takes my notebook and writes down his phone number and the address of his restaurant where he is a chef and tells me to come by the next day at 4pm and he will make me a meal!
"We will see, thank you Mario, it was nice to meet you!" I say to him as I stick out my hand for a handshake.
He then proceeds to grab my face and plant a big wet kiss on my lips. It was really bizarre.
"Goodnight, Mario" I say to him as I walk away and try to compute what just happened. haha
(unrelated video of metro performer)
Monday, August 23, 2010
free free FREE
Many people leave Paris for the month of August and many stores and cafes are closed. The city of Paris, realizes that not everyone can afford to go jet off to Italy or wherever for a month, so they provide many free events during the month of August. Which I took advantage of.
Cinema en plein air & Cinéma au Clair de Lune were two different events that took place in different parts of the city from July 17 til Aug 22. They showed various movies on these inflatable screens & everyone would picnic before hand. So lovely! I saw My Private Idaho & a french musical about a threesome. They were both excellent films that would never be shown on a big screen in America due to their racy content! I was going to see Science of Sleep, but I got lost on the way.
Paris Plages was happening as well. They basically built a beach along the banks of the Seine & blocked it off to traffic. It was really cool.
free foosball!
free dance lessons!
free music!
I have been doing a great job of staying within my budget here in Paris thanks to all the free entertainment!
Cinema en plein air & Cinéma au Clair de Lune were two different events that took place in different parts of the city from July 17 til Aug 22. They showed various movies on these inflatable screens & everyone would picnic before hand. So lovely! I saw My Private Idaho & a french musical about a threesome. They were both excellent films that would never be shown on a big screen in America due to their racy content! I was going to see Science of Sleep, but I got lost on the way.
Paris Plages was happening as well. They basically built a beach along the banks of the Seine & blocked it off to traffic. It was really cool.
free foosball!
free dance lessons!
free music!
I have been doing a great job of staying within my budget here in Paris thanks to all the free entertainment!
Junggesellinnenabschied (JGA)
Let's talk German traditions.
Junggesellinnenabschied is a German bachelorette/bachelor party aka hen/stag party. Let me tell you, they are fantastic! I encountered probably 10 or more while in Mainz.
The bride or groom to be dresses up in some silly outfit & their bridesmaids/groomsmen wear a shirt or hat that lets the public know that they are in unity. The goal of the evening is to sell goods to the public that can be carried in a basket. They sell all sorts of random things..lighters, shots, condoms, candy, lottery tickets, whatever. The bride/groom also makes money by doing little dares their party has predetermined. The money is then used for the party to drink at the next bar.
so. much. fun.
attractive photo of me with my purchase from the hens
if you look closely you can see the lighter i purchased from these dudes.
also..depp means fool in german!
these ladies chose to spend their evening on a bicycle bar across the town!
Also, apparently, in a certain city in Germany, i cant recall which city. If you are male who is single when you turn 30. Your friends dress you up as a pig & you have to clean up garbage at the city hall until a girl feels pity for you and gives you a kiss. How terrible/amazing is that?!
Junggesellinnenabschied is a German bachelorette/bachelor party aka hen/stag party. Let me tell you, they are fantastic! I encountered probably 10 or more while in Mainz.
The bride or groom to be dresses up in some silly outfit & their bridesmaids/groomsmen wear a shirt or hat that lets the public know that they are in unity. The goal of the evening is to sell goods to the public that can be carried in a basket. They sell all sorts of random things..lighters, shots, condoms, candy, lottery tickets, whatever. The bride/groom also makes money by doing little dares their party has predetermined. The money is then used for the party to drink at the next bar.
so. much. fun.
attractive photo of me with my purchase from the hens
if you look closely you can see the lighter i purchased from these dudes.
also..depp means fool in german!
these ladies chose to spend their evening on a bicycle bar across the town!
Also, apparently, in a certain city in Germany, i cant recall which city. If you are male who is single when you turn 30. Your friends dress you up as a pig & you have to clean up garbage at the city hall until a girl feels pity for you and gives you a kiss. How terrible/amazing is that?!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
FOOOD
If anyone knows anything about me, they know I love to eat. I even have a food dance if something is really really good. So of course I should do a post about all the delightful foods I have had to eat thus far.
I love big cities for the fact that I can eat what I want and not gain weight because I walk everywhere. Unlike in the midwest where my typical mode of transportation is a car and I eat fast food once a day because I lack self control!
CURRYWURST:
So good. Bratwurst and french fries covered in curry ketchup and mayonnaise sprinkled with fried onions.
GERMAN POTATO SALAD:
Malina's Oma made some for us and it was wonderful!
THOMY:
A wonderful mustard that I ate on everything.
SPIESSBRATEN:
(waiting for spiessbraten)
I'm not exactly sure what makes this pork dish so amazing, but it is.
DONER:
(my first doner)
Lamb or pork with chopped lettuce, cabbage, onions, cucumber, and tomatoes. You can choose between hot sauce (scharfe Soße), herb sauce (Kräutersoße), curry sauce (Currysoße), cocktail sauce (Cocktailsoße) garlic sauce (Knoblauchsoße), or yogurt (Joghurtsoße). Wrapped in thick flatbread (Fladenbrot) that is usually toasted or warmed. I want one now!
BAGUETTES, BRIE, CUCUMBERS, & WHITE WINE:
This is what I have been living on in Paris. I'm too timid to go order food in a cafe! At least it is delicious & cheap!
PICNICS:
everyone picnics in Europe. Quite lovely!
DRINKS:
SCWIPP-SHWAP
cola & orangejuice from Germany.
Fun fact! Soda in general is not as sweet here. That is because it is made with sugar cane & high fructose corn syrup.
MINERAL WATER
COFFEE:
keeps the world running. love that french press!
JACK & COKE IN A CAN:
surprisingly good.
GUMMIES:
The love of gummies is shockingly amazing in Europe. All these pictures are from Mainz, but the love is strong here in Paris too.
Bon Appetit!
I love big cities for the fact that I can eat what I want and not gain weight because I walk everywhere. Unlike in the midwest where my typical mode of transportation is a car and I eat fast food once a day because I lack self control!
CURRYWURST:
So good. Bratwurst and french fries covered in curry ketchup and mayonnaise sprinkled with fried onions.
GERMAN POTATO SALAD:
Malina's Oma made some for us and it was wonderful!
THOMY:
A wonderful mustard that I ate on everything.
SPIESSBRATEN:
(waiting for spiessbraten)I'm not exactly sure what makes this pork dish so amazing, but it is.
DONER:
(my first doner)Lamb or pork with chopped lettuce, cabbage, onions, cucumber, and tomatoes. You can choose between hot sauce (scharfe Soße), herb sauce (Kräutersoße), curry sauce (Currysoße), cocktail sauce (Cocktailsoße) garlic sauce (Knoblauchsoße), or yogurt (Joghurtsoße). Wrapped in thick flatbread (Fladenbrot) that is usually toasted or warmed. I want one now!
BAGUETTES, BRIE, CUCUMBERS, & WHITE WINE:
This is what I have been living on in Paris. I'm too timid to go order food in a cafe! At least it is delicious & cheap!
PICNICS:
everyone picnics in Europe. Quite lovely!
DRINKS:
SCWIPP-SHWAP
cola & orangejuice from Germany.
Fun fact! Soda in general is not as sweet here. That is because it is made with sugar cane & high fructose corn syrup.
MINERAL WATER
COFFEE:
keeps the world running. love that french press!
JACK & COKE IN A CAN:
surprisingly good.
GUMMIES:
The love of gummies is shockingly amazing in Europe. All these pictures are from Mainz, but the love is strong here in Paris too.Bon Appetit!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
my little studio on rue saint maur
So I found a delightful little studio in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. It's in a hip little neighborhood and i live above two cafes, one that has live music every night. Unfortunately, August is when the people of Paris go on vacation, so those two cafes, along with many other businesses are closed for the time I am here. But there are still many that are open for me to visit! It is also a block away from a fairly large Islamic community, which is really interesting to walk through. Maybe I will take some pictures. Anywho, here is my place!
it's on the 5th floor. no elevator.
my neighbors seem cool.
view from the back.
view from the front.
view from the inside.
(bathroom entrance) 
my parisian self portriate
i'm going to go on a bicycle tour today. take care!
it's on the 5th floor. no elevator.
my neighbors seem cool.
view from the back.
view from the front.
view from the inside.
(bathroom entrance) my parisian self portriate
i'm going to go on a bicycle tour today. take care!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Gloss - Lonely In Paris
This song sums up my feelings about the first few days in Paris. But I put my brave girl boots on, gave my self the pep talk of "Kelly. You are in Paris! Snap out of it." and things are less intimidating.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
oh man oh man. i have not been doing a good job of documenting my tales. AT ALL! It's a rainy day is Paris and I have few distractions, so i will do my best to give a good update.
Left the States 12 days ago. Cried a bit at having to say goodbye to Benjamin. It is a wierd feeling getting frisked my airport security while tears are rolling down your face! Flew FWA to DTW to ATL to FRA. Malina picked me up from the airport, I was a little worried as I couldnt find her, but alas I did.
We rode the train to Mainz, where we stopped at the bakery to get bread for breakfast. Got to the apartment & met Hannah, Malina's girlfriend, who had a cup of coffee ready for me! I really couldnt ask for better hosts. They showed me around Germany, taught me german phrases, made sure i ate all the authentic and delicious German food..all the time.
Here are some highlights of my time in Germany...
hanna sunshine! 
malina! 
bicycle bar! america needs this! 
dwjawad & i
views from our picnic
more will be posted later! au revoir!
Left the States 12 days ago. Cried a bit at having to say goodbye to Benjamin. It is a wierd feeling getting frisked my airport security while tears are rolling down your face! Flew FWA to DTW to ATL to FRA. Malina picked me up from the airport, I was a little worried as I couldnt find her, but alas I did.
We rode the train to Mainz, where we stopped at the bakery to get bread for breakfast. Got to the apartment & met Hannah, Malina's girlfriend, who had a cup of coffee ready for me! I really couldnt ask for better hosts. They showed me around Germany, taught me german phrases, made sure i ate all the authentic and delicious German food..all the time.
Here are some highlights of my time in Germany...
hanna sunshine! malina! bicycle bar! america needs this! dwjawad & i views from our picnicmore will be posted later! au revoir!
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